ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of sling exercise therapy combined with acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints on balance function of stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods From October, 2013 to October, 2015, 40 hemiplegic stroke patients with balance dysfunction were randomized to control group and treatment group equally. Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the treatment group com-bined with sling exercise therapy and acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-metre maxi-mum walking speed (10MWS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower limbs (FMA-L) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and four weeks after treatment. Results The scores of BBS, FMA-L and MBI, and 10MWS improved in both groups (t>2.249, P2.954, P<0.01). Conclusion Sling exercise therapy combined with acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints can further improve the function of balance, walking and activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia.